Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Requirements and Training Programs

The future for pharmacy technicians is a bright one. As pharmacists venture into more clinical roles, they’ll need the support of pharmacy technicians more than ever before. An aging population with a continued dependency on prescription drugs will help drive the rising demands for skilled pharmacy technicians. In response to the evolving roles of a pharmacy technician, accredited programs and community pharmacies train students to do a lot more than the traditional pour, count and label tasks – as long as they stay within the state’s definition of a technician’s role. Technicians work primarily in hospitals and community pharmacies, but you can also find them in assisted living facilities, triage, and diabetes clinics.

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In order to practice in Rhode Island, pharmacy technicians must register with the Department of Health. Applicants for registration must meet the Board’s approved qualifications and education requirements. The need for registration with the Board is just one aspect of modernizing the workforce for the delivery of high-quality services to the general public.

Pharmacy Tech Schools in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Requirements

License Requirement

The Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to obtain a license with the Board before practicing at state pharmacies. Pharmacy interns do not need to register as pharmacy technicians to fill the role. High school students working as part of a career exploration program, do not need to apply for registration with the Board.

There are two levels of licensure for technicians: Pharmacy Technician I and Pharmacy Technician II.

The Pharmacy Technician I status is specifically for technicians enrolled in or graduated from a Board-approved training program. Pharmacy Technicians I do not have certification from established Boards, such as the PTCB or ICPT. The license is employer-specific. Therefore, the licensee must notify the Board and reapply for a license when changing employers.

Holders of a Pharmacy Technician I license can upgrade their licenses to Pharmacy Technician II after successfully passing a national certification exam. The two Board-recognized exams are the PTCE and the ExCPT exams. Unlike the PT I license, the PT II is not tied to a specific employer.

The duties and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician depend on the license. Pharmacy Technician II license holders can perform some tasks that are off-limits for PT I license holders. Both licensees must report directly to license pharmacists.

It is the employer’s or pharmacist in charge responsibility to verify pharmacy technicians’ licensure with the Board. The pharmacist-in-charge must provide on-the-job training and document details of the training, specifically those tasks related to the technician’s role in the pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians can only perform those duties for which they received competency training.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to register as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island.

Education Requirement

The Board of Pharmacy requires all applicants to provide details of their high school education on the application form. Applicants can include details of GED as an alternative to high school.

Other Requirements

Candidates for registration must have a good moral character and not have any convictions of felonies relating to controlled substances. Applicants with previous convictions will need to provide a written explanation of all convictions and copies of legal documents. The Board will determine the applicant’s eligibility for registration based on the provision of satisfactory evidence of the individual’s ability to safely carry out the duties of a pharmacy technician. The Board may need to conduct an interview with the candidate. Prior convictions could delay the processing of the application for registration.

The Pharmacy Technician Program

Content

Within the pharmacy, pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians are registered healthcare professionals. Just like pharmacists, pharmacy technicians have a duty to obtain and maintain the skills and competencies needed to execute their roles. The didactic and experiential training covered in accredited training programs give graduates the confidence they need to make informed decisions.

The Department of Health recommends ASHP-accredited programs. In Rhode Island, programs such as CVS Caremark offer at least 600 hours of training. These types of programs combine textbook learning with hands-on learning in a simulated setting followed by experiential rotations in a pharmacy environment.

The DOH also approves employer-based programs, which cover dosage forms, laws and rules, communication techniques, security and safety, job descriptions, common abbreviations, drug order preparation and directions for use. Students also learn routes of administration, pharmaceutical nomenclature, affixing labels and much more.

At the end of the comprehensive training, graduates are thoroughly prepared to take up their roles in a variety of health care settings. The DOH’s strict standards benefit the public but is also beneficial to technicians who can take their portable skills from one setting to another, and from Rhode Island to other states that adopt equally strict standards.

Duration and Cost

The abundance of employer-based means anyone can train to become a pharmacy technician without spending a fortune. With hundreds of retail chains across the state, you can apply for employment at a place of your choosing and learn directly from a pharmacist-in-charge. Keep in mind that the DOH requires students to register as Pharmacy Technician I while undergoing training. If you go the route of employer training, your biggest expense may be the application for state registration ($25). Your employer/trainer will provide course materials, uniform, and other necessities.

The average cost of training at traditional academia is $3000. For instance, the Center for Workforce and Community Education at the Community College of Rhode Island offers a 300-hour training program, which costs $3,395 plus extra for registration, textbooks, uniform, and other materials. After graduating from accredited training programs, pharmacy technicians can apply for the national PTCB or ExCPT exams to register as Pharmacy Technician II – a registration that is not tied to a single employer like Pharmacy Technician I. The average duration of training is eight months, depending on the class schedule.

National Exams

To register as Pharmacy Technician II in Rhode Island, candidates must successfully pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam to earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation. National certification not only elevates the pharmacy technician’s status with the Department of Health, but also makes the candidate a favorable prospect for employment.

Employers’ know and favor the PTCB’s assessment, which is the older of the two certifying authorities. To take the PTCB exam, you must first apply online, submitting proof of graduating high school and assenting to a criminal background check. Currently, the Board accepts high school completion or equivalent as the minimum education requirement, but by the year 2020, applicants for certification will need to graduate from a formal pharmacy technician training program.

The fee for the computer-based assessment is $129. Once the PTCB approves your application, you can schedule the exam at a Pearson Vue center in Rhode Island.

The ICPT designs and develops the ExCPT exam. While this certifying agency is not as recognized by state certifying bodies as the PTCB, it is steadily growing as a viable alternative to the older agency. The standards set forth by the ICPT is just as stringent. Applicants must present a high school diploma and must be at least 18 years old. The Board also requires applicants to present proof of formal training or have at least 12 months of pharmacy-related employment – covered within a 36-month period.

The ExCPT is readily available at hundreds of PSI/LaserGrade test centers across the nation. Convenient schedules are available, covering 310 days a year. The 120-question exam assesses candidates’ understanding of three main categories; Regulation and Technician Duties, Drug and Drug Products, and the Dispensing Process. The cost of registration is $105.

Acquiring Your State License

Application

All applications for registration must be completed on a Board-provided form. Mail the completed form along with the non-refundable application fee and supporting documents to the address provided below.

Pharmacy Technician I application:

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  • Fill out the Board’s application for registration.
  • Enclose the $25 application fee using a check or money order.
  • Print copies of your ID and social security card to attach to the application.
  • Ask the pharmacist-in-charge, at the place where you plan to work, to attest to your assigned duties and on-the-job training.
  • Specify the employer’s name on the application.
  • Complete the applicant’s affidavit.
  • Attach supporting documents in the order the application packet outlines.

The Pharmacy Technician I license is employer-specific. Therefore, you must inform the Board and apply for a new license when changing jobs.

Pharmacy Technician II application:

  • Fill out the Board’s application for registration.
  • The non-refundable application fee, payable via check or money order, is $25.
  • Pharmacy Technician II applicants won’t need to complete the Pharmacist-in-charge Affidavit.
  • Include copies of your state ID and social security card.
  • Include a copy of your PTCB or ExCPT wall certificate.
  • Attach supporting documents if you answer “yes” to any criminal convictions or disciplinary action questions.

Pharmacy Technician II license holders must maintain certification with the PTCB or ExCPT in order to renew the license.

Renewal

Licenses expire on June 30th, and technicians must take steps to renew annually. The Board will send out the renewal application 30 days before the expiration date. The reminder will go to the technician’s last known address. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the Board of any employment, address or name changes. The Board of Pharmacy encourages online renewal using a credit card. If you prefer to pay via check or money order, you can email the Board and request a paper application.

  • Go to the DOH’s website to renew your license online using credit cards or prepaid cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo.
  • Pharmacy Technicians II license holders must provide a copy of the PTCB or ExCPT wall certification to verify current certification.
  • Pharmacy Technician II license holders shall also complete at least 10 hours of continuing pharmacy education units from an accredited provider during the one-year cycle.
  • Three of the CPEU must be through live hours.

For auditing purposes, technicians should keep records of the continuing education for a period of two years after completing the training.

Transfer

Pharmacy technicians with a current license in good standing in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement. The endorsement only applies if the requirements for registration in the state of the current license is equivalent to the Board’s requirements in Rhode Island.

To apply for endorsement:

  • Fill out the pharmacy technician application indicating whether you’re applying for the Pharmacy Technician I or Pharmacy Technician II license.
  • Send the Interstate Verification Form to the Board of Pharmacy (or other licensing authority) in your current jurisdiction who will mail the completed form back to RI Board of Pharmacy.

Contact the Board:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Board of Pharmacy
Room 205, 3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Rhode Island

Cranston, RI Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Rite Aid Pharmacy #6595
1011 Cranston St
Cranston, RI 02920
(401)275-0849

Stop & Shop Pharmacy #714
204 Garfield Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401)943-8285

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10261
548 Dyer Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401)942-9605

Walgreens Pharmacy #2850
1010 Park Ave
Cranston, RI 02910
(401)946-0337

Walgreens Pharmacy #3491
1763 Broad St
Cranston, RI 02905
(401)461-6770

East Providence, RI Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Walgreens Pharmacy #9374
600 Warren Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
(401)438-9501

Stop & Shop Pharmacy #2701
1925 Pawtucket Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
(401)431-0476

CVS Pharmacy #269
583 Taunton Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
(401)434-2993

Critical Care Systems Pharmacy
70 Catamore Blvd
East Providence, RI 02914
(401)435-4030

Lincoln, RI Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Mall
622 George Washington Highway
Lincoln, RI 02865
Phone: (401) 334-2430

North Providence, RI Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Rite Aid Pharmacy #10255
1510 Smith St
North Providence, RI 02911
(401)353-3500

Stop & Shop Pharmacy #724
1128 Mineral Spring Ave
North Providence, RI 02904
(401)727-3900

Shaws-Osco Pharmacy #7443
15 Smithfield Rd
North Providence, RI 02904
(401)353-4075

Walgreens Pharmacy #3737
1074 Mineral Spring Ave
North Providence, RI 02904
(401)725-6824

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10248
1665 Mineral Spring Ave
North Providence, RI 02904
(401)353-3113

Pawtucket, RI Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Rite Aid Pharmacy #10228
150 Mineral Spring Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)726-0547

CVS Pharmacy #0670
582 Smithfield Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)727-1866

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10227
342 Power Rd
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)724-3274

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10229
727 East Ave Unit 1
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)724-6800

CVS Pharmacy #2234
425 East Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)722-8704

Memorial Hosp Rhode Island Phcy
111 Brewster St
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)729-2000

Carepoint Partners
15 Hazel St
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)727-6100

Providence, RI Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Lifespan
167 Point Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 444-3500

Rhode Island Hospital
593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 444-4000

Careplus Pharmacy
2 Dudley St
Providence, RI 02905
(401)421-1555

Walgreens Pharmacy #10099
333 Atwells Ave
Providence, RI 02903
(401)276-8301

White Cross Pharmacy
1 Randall Sq
Providence, RI 02904
(401)351-5900

CVS Pharmacy #1294
481 Angell St
Providence, RI 02906
(401)521-4340

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10251
135 Pitman St
Providence, RI 02906
(401)861-4846

VA Medical Center Pharmacy
830 Chalkstone Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401)273-7100

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10252
711 Broad St Ste 1
Providence, RI 02907
(401)331-9550

Walmart Pharmacy #3301
51 Silver Spring St
Providence, RI 02904
(401)272-5340

East Side Prescription
632 Hope St
Providence, RI 02906
(401)751-1430

CVS Pharmacy #4796
960 Broad St
Providence, RI 02905
(401)461-3699

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10253
200 Academy Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401)521-4941

Walgreens Pharmacy #3703
354 Admiral St
Providence, RI 02908
(401)331-2636

CVS Pharmacy #856
400 Admiral St
Providence, RI 02908
(401)351-5030

Walgreens Pharmacy #3204
295 Academy Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401)273-7675

Anthony’s Drugs
219 Manton Ave
Providence, RI 02909
(401)351-9307

CVS Pharmacy #729
799 Hope St
Providence, RI 02906
(401)331-5240

Rite Aid Pharmacy #10249
456 Branch Ave
Providence, RI 02904
(401)331-3554

Butler Hospital Pharmacy
345 Blackstone Blvd Ste 2
Providence, RI 02906
(401)455-6316

CVS Pharmacy #0994
131 Webster Ave
Providence, RI 02909
(401)944-6060

Walgreens Pharmacy #10256
1140 N Main St
Providence, RI 02904
(401)278-4901

Walgreens Pharmacy #11147
1 Pocasset Ave
Providence, RI 02909
(401)464-6501

CVS Pharmacy #2417
935 Manton Ave
Providence, RI 02909
(401)453-5612

Stop & Shop Pharmacy #722
850 Manton Ave
Providence, RI 02909
(401)453-0288

Riverside, RI Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Cardinal Health Pharmacy
30 Hemingway Dr
Riverside, RI 02915
(401)435-4220

Bradley Hospital Pharmacy
1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
Riverside, RI 02915
(401)432-1000

Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital
1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
Riverside, RI 02915
(401)432-1282

Rumford, RI Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Rite Aid Pharmacy #10258
220 Newport Ave
Rumford, RI 02916
(401)434-1333

CVS Pharmacy #7387
63 Newport Ave
Rumford, RI 02916
(401)431-0461

Warwick, RI Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Center for Workforce and Community Education
Community College of Rhode Island
Knight Campus, Warwick
400 East Avenue,
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 825-1214

Woonsocket, RI Pharmacy Technician training programs:
CVS Caremark
1 CVS Drive
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 770-3528

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